Calculate Kenya car import duty instantly with this Kenya Car Import Duty Calculator. Simply enter Vehicle CRSP (KES), Year of Manufacture, and engine type to get the estimated customs value, total taxable payable and total landed cost in Kenya.
Kenya Car Import Calculator
Importing a car into Kenya requires a clear understanding of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) taxation structure. Since 2025, several rates have shifted to accommodate new Finance Acts.
How to Calculate Car Import Duty in Kenya Manually
Follow this step-by-step guide to estimate your total landed cost.
1. Determine the Customs Value (CIF)
KRA does not use your purchase price to calculate tax. Instead, they use the Current Retail Selling Price (CRSP). This is the official value of the vehicle when it was new in Kenya.
- Formula:
Customs Value = CRSP × (1 − Depreciation Rate) - Depreciation:
This is based on the age of the car. A car that is 7 to 8 years old (the maximum age allowed) typically receives a 65% depreciation (you pay tax on 35% of the CRSP). - Note:
The car must be Right-Hand Drive and less than 8 years old.
2. Calculate Import Duty
Import duty is the first tax applied to the Customs Value.
- Rate: 25% of the Customs Value.
- Formula:
Import Duty = 0.25 × Customs Value
3. Calculate Excise Duty
Excise duty depends on the engine capacity (cc) and fuel type.
- Rates:
- 20%: Up to 1500cc.
- 25%: 1501cc to 3000cc (Petrol) / 2500cc (Diesel).
- 35%: Over 3000cc (Petrol) / 2500cc (Diesel).
- 10%: Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs).
- Formula:
Excise Duty = Rate × (Customs Value + Import Duty)
4. Calculate Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT is a compound tax calculated on the sum of the previous values.
- Rate: 16%
- Formula:
VAT = 0.16 × (Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty)
5. Mandatory Levies and Fees
These are fixed percentages based strictly on the Customs Value:
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): 2.5% of Customs Value.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): 2% of Customs Value.
Summary Table: Tax Components
| Component | Rate | Basis |
| Import Duty | 25% | Customs Value |
| Excise Duty | 20% - 35% | Customs Value + Import Duty |
| VAT | 16% | Customs Value + Import Duty + Excise Duty |
| IDF | 2.5% | Customs Value |
| RDL | 2% | Customs Value |
Why Use This Tool?
- Updated CRSP Data: Based on the latest 2025/2026 KRA valuation templates.
- Transparent Breakdown: We show you exactly where every shilling goes—no hidden "processing fees."
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